Mission statement for Suffrage Coalition Inc.’s Project: Women’s Suffrage Museum – Events & Culture Center - Locate and preserve the epic history of the movement that brought democracy to the other half of our citizens. Use accurate, immersive storytelling to inspire future generations to value their rights and faithfully perform their duties as citizens.

Sue Shelton White (1887-1943) TN

Sue Shelton White
  • Joined the woman suffrage movement in 1912.
  • Was Tennessee Equal Suffrage Association recording secretary for 5 years.
  • Lobbied for a statewide law in 1917 to grant women the right to vote in municipal and presidential elections.
  • She joined the National Women’s Party in 1918, became chair of the Tennessee chapter.
  • Moved to Washington, D.C., where she edited the organization’s newspaper, The Suffragist.
  • Was jailed for suffrage, probably the only Tennessean to be jailed.
  • Was part of the “Prison Train” that toured and told of the arrests and torture of suffragists.

Quotes:

“If you stand in your accepted place today, it is because some woman had to fight yesterday.”

 

“We should be ashamed to stand on ground won by women in the past without making an effort to honor them by winning a higher and wider field for the future.”